Toxicological effects of diclofenac in four avian species

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to investigate the toxico-pathological effects of diclofenac in different avian species including broiler chicks (Gallus gallus, 15 days old), pigeons (Columba livia, 3 months old), Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica, 4 weeks old) and mynah (Acridotheres tristis, independent young). For each species, five groups each containing 10 birds were maintained and administered diclofenac sodium orally at dose rates of 0, 0.25, 2.5, 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for seven consecutive days. Clinical signs in all species included depression, somnolence, decreased body weight and mortality. Severity of clinical disease increased in a dose-related manner and was most severe in broiler chicks, followed by pigeons, Japanese quail, and was least severe in mynah. Serum creatinine levels were elevated in all species. Serum urea levels varied non-significantly in broiler birds, significantly decreased in pigeons and significantly elevated in Japanese quail and mynah. Broiler chicks and pigeons administered 10 and 20 mg diclofenac/kg had visceral gout; however, this was not observed in Japanese quail and mynah. The kidneys and liver were enlarged in all species. Histologically, the kidneys of all species showed acute renal necrosis and the livers had fatty change and necrosis of hepatocytes. The kidneys and liver of broiler chicks and pigeons given 10 and 20 mg/kg diclofenac also exhibited uric acid crystal aggregates (tophi) and associated lesions in the parenchyma.

Oxidative stress and liver damage in birds exposed to diclofenac and lead

“…The severity of action is dose-dependent. Higher doses are required to produce toxicity but, surprisingly, visceral gout was not observed following a dose as high as 20 mg of diclofenac per 1 kg of body weight in the Japanese quail (Hussain et al 2008). Vultures, on the other hand, are highly sensitive, and a dose of 0.8 mg/kg produced marked effects and mortality in Gyps fulvus and Gyps africanus; and the LD50 amounted to 0.1-0.2 mg/kg in Gyps bengalensis (Swan Fig.…”

“…from the digestive tract within 10 days of administration and are known to exert sublethal effects (Pikula et al 2010). Likewise, the above-mentioned dose of diclofenac results in sublethal effects according to Hussain et al (2008). It is absorbed quickly both following oral and intramuscular injection; the latter mode of administration was selected to ensure application of equal doses and uniform pharmacological effects in each experimental bird (Graham et al 2005).…”

“…Low doses of both toxicants and the short duration of sub-lethal exposure were probably within its detoxifying threshold. Differences in avian responses to toxic exposure may also be influenced by species-specific and tissuespecific susceptibility (Meteyer et al 2005;Hussain et al 2008;Vitula et al 2011). …”

Bioassays Currently Available for Evaluating the Biological Potency of Pharmaceuticals in Treated Wastewater

“…Histologically, the kidneys showed acute renal necrosis and the livers had fatty change and necrosis of hepatocytes. The kidneys and livers of broiler chicks and pigeons given 10 and 20 mg/kg diclofenac exhibited uric acid crystal aggregates (tophi) and associated lesions in the parenchyma [112]. When turkey vultures Cathartes aura were exposed to diclofenac, no signs of toxicity, visceral gout, renal necrosis, or elevate plasma uric acid were observed at concentrations greater than 100 times the estimated median lethal dose reported for Gyps vultures, showing a different sensitivity among avian species [113].…”

The toxicity and adverse effects of selected drugs in animals – overview

“…Its toxicity to birds, especially renal adverse effects, was reported. This toxicity is highly species-dependent with some of the species being very susceptible and doses even lower than therapeutic can be fatal to them (Hussain et al 2008). Surprisingly, even secondary poisoning by diclofenac in carrion eaters has been revealed (Oaks et al 2004).…”